VALDOSTA – Monday morning, a superior court judge sentenced Stephen Beck for his actions that shook the Valdosta community nearly a year ago.
Last July, Beck confessed to a fake 911 call at Three Oaks Apartments.
When Valdosta officer Randall Hancock responded, Beck shot him three times.
One shot missed Hancock’s vest, and lunged into his stomach.
Now, Judge Altman sentences Beck to 10 years.
The District Attorney’s office says he could have faced up to 35 years.
“I believe the sentence should’ve been a little higher,” says Brad Shealy, District Attorney. “Any recommendation I would’ve made is 25 years to serve or longer.”
Both, the Valdosta Police Chief and District Attorney say they disagree with the sentence.
“That’s what we give a guy that ambushes a police officer? Ten years in prison,” says Chief Brian Childress. “That’s nonsense. No, I’m not happy about it.”
Beck was convicted on charges of Attempted murder, Aggravated assault of a peace officer, and two counts of Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
